25 Best Ottawa Christmas Events You Need to Experience (2024)

Christmas in Ottawa is always so magical. There are many brilliant Christmas events in Ottawa and across Canada’s Capital Region that I know you’ll love. Whether you’re gathering up the whole family or enjoying a romantic date night, the twinkling lights and holiday cheer will put you right in the spirit of the season.

Ottawa is home to one of Ontario’s best Christmas markets, and it’s only a short drive to some of the most magnificent Christmas towns in Ontario. I suggest planning a whole long weekend around a trip to Ottawa during the holidays. Spend a day or two in the city, and spend one day as a road trip to nearby towns like Perth, Merrickville and Almonte.

In this guide to the best of Christmas in Ottawa, I’ll share some of my favourite holiday markets, places to see Christmas lights and even where to shop for seasonal decor. These Christmas events in Ottawa bring joy throughout November and December (and some even into the first week of January).

The Ottawa Christmas Market is by far one of my very favourite Christmas markets outside of Europe! It reminds me of the Christmas markets in Germany. There are rows upon rows of wooden chalets offering delicious food and drink, as well as unique gifts.

There’s a festive atmosphere created by Christmas lights, dazzling decor and even a tunnel of lights. There’s a skating rink, musical performances, a massive Christmas tree, a pedal bar that seats 14, and so much more. Blitzen’s Bar sits at the heart of the market where you can sip and savour alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

ByWard Market is always such a fun area of Ottawa to visit with 350 businesses in the area alone. The ByWard Winter Market is a celebration of the holiday season in the neighbourhood.

There’s an outdoor marketplace with local vendors, a small synthetic skating rink, sweet treats like Beavertails, and lively experiences like choir performances and the official tree lighting ceremony on opening night. While the outdoor market ends at the beginning of January, some festivities will continue right through the month until the beginning of the famous Winterlude festival.

Winter Wander is a free display of Christmas lights in Ottawa along the pedestrian-only Sparks Street. Go for a stroll on Sparks Street any evening from mid-November to the beginning of January to appreciate the holiday decor.

There’s a 20-foot Christmas tree and several interactive light displays. These are the perfect places to capture those special holiday moments with your loved ones. Go for a wander with a hot beverage in your hand as you create magical memories.

The Canadian Museum of History just across the way in Gatineau hosts an annual Christmas market in November each year. There are over 100 exhibitors in the Grand Hall and the Panorama Cafe with handcrafted creations. It’s always free to attend and a wonderful way to shop local.

Missed the Christmas market? Don’t fret, there’s still a stunning Christmas tree outside of the museum to visit and admire. There’s also an interactive public art installation called Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid. Line up the dominos and push one down to see what happens. Of course, be sure to check out the museum and its exhibits while you’re there.

While the majority of this event is from the car, there’s also a “pit stop” in the middle of the route. At this point, you can get out of the car and explore an illuminated forest trail by foot. There are also Instagrammable displays for photo opportunities, letter writing stations to Santa, and of course, treats from Beavertails!

You can also get some holiday shopping done, participate in a Christmas carol sing-a-long, indulge in some festive dining and snap some photos with Santa. The Christmas lights and decor are the main attraction, but there are plenty of other fun activities along the way to keep adults and children of all ages entertained.

Trees of Hope for CHEO is an annual fundraiser hosted by Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Since its inception over two decades ago, they’ve raised over $1.4 million for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Sponsors for the event decorate Christmas trees and the best ones can win awards.

On the first evening of the event, all of the decorated Christmas trees are unveiled. Then, visitors can wander around the hotel to discover and appreciate the ornate decorations and fantastic ornaments. You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to admire the trees – anyone can show up to see them.

Christmas Village includes delightful displays, festive activities, and opportunities to meet Santa and the elves. The Holiday Stroll is an enchanting walk on a beautifully lit trail. While you’re at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, you can also pick out a Christmas tree to bring home with you.

Vintage Village of Lights is hosted by the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. The setting is described as a “postcard-perfect 1920s and 30s heritage village charmingly decorated for the holidays”. On top of heritage demonstrations, there are visits with Santa, Christmas light displays, holiday decor, gingerbread cookie decorating activities and more.

Keep in mind that advance reservations are required to participate in Vintage Village of Lights. You can visit the official website to secure your booking. Every ticket means that up to 6 people will gain entry (one ticket per family).

The Nutcracker is always a holiday favourite. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s famous music and prepare to be dazzled by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Be transformed to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in this feast for the senses. This is a fabulous performance for the whole family, and it happens for only a few nights this December.

Tinseltown Christmas Emporium is the most Christmassy store I’ve ever seen. While the storefront windows are decorated quite nicely, it isn’t until you set foot inside Tinseltown that you see just how jam packed with holiday decor it truly is.

There really isn’t a spare space from floor to ceiling where there isn’t a Christmas ornament, decoration or tree. The store is organized by colour and by theme for its ornaments. If you’re searching for a very specific ornament, chances are that they have it. There are also Christmas villages, nutcrackers, wreaths, advent calendars, snow globes and so much more.

Even if you aren’t visiting Ottawa for Christmas, they have an extensive online catalogue – it’s split into three catalogues, actually! You can do your holiday shopping online and have the Christmas decor mailed directly to you.